Lunar New Year, Part 2

"Reader, you must know that an interesting fate (sometimes involving rats, sometimes not) awaits almost everyone, mouse or man, who does not conform." from The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo





There was a wonderful exhibit of Buddha and bodhissatva statues, prevalent in Korea before Confuscianism became the dominant, state-sponsored religion. I learned that bodhissatvas usually re-incarnate as beautiful females. This way they could capture the attention of people and thus be able to have the opportunity to lead them to heaven. Boddhissatvas also plead on behalf of others at the gates of heaven.

 



A statue at the Japan collection at the National Museum of Korea. I thought it was so beautiful, but also a bit unusual for this exhibit, which featured many lovely examples of kimonos, pottery, and silk screens.

 


Samcheong-dong was filled with all these cool, hip, modern coffeshops, art galleries, clothiers and every other type of shop dear to any artist's heart. I loved it here and I hope to visit many more times when the shops are actually open. Although I've read that it can be quite pricey to purchase here, I can't wait to window shop and drool over the many one-of-a-kind dresses clothes and goodies.



There wasn't anything particular special about this bike, except that I liked it and I wanted a picture of it